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Denmark Ballot 1990
Ballot used for the Parliamentary elections held in Denmark on 12 December 1990. Ballot shown was used in the 2nd District of North Jutland.
Publication
Report/Paper
Lithuania: Money and Politics Case Study
Lithuania has rapidly developed both politically and economically since emerging from the Soviet Union in 1991. While the country has built a functioning parliamentary system of government, has become a member of NATO, and is on the verge of joining the European Union, it still faces many problems associated with the many consolidating democracies around the world. As in all democracies, populations need to trust that those they elect will represent their interests. Problems such as corruption, weaknesses in laws concerning the political financing, and unaccounted for political income and expenditures threaten the credibility of the process and hinder the speed at which democracy is consolidated. Additionally, Lithuania lacks the high level of vibrant debate about the issue of political financing among scholars, journalists and civil society bodies required to promote meaningful reform. Recognizing this, Lithuania has developed an independent Central Electoral Committee (CEC) and adopted laws requiring detailed and public disclosure of political finance accounts. Prior to conducting Money and Politics programming in Lithuania, the CEC had made a demonstrable interest in making information public. While scanning summary report of accounts and placing them on the internet, the user could not search, not easily compare and analyze the information. Interested parties were required to make an appointment to view more detailed, paper-based information. Further, while the Tax Authorities are required to audit final political party reports, enforcement is widely considered to be weak. Few, if any, cases of political finance violations have been forwarded and investigated, not to mention prosecuted. By addressing the difficult issues surrounding political finance with the support of IFES in 2002 and 2003, Lithuania is emerging as a model for other consolidating democracy to follow. Significant areas remain to be addressed. While Lithuania has taken concrete steps to reform political finance legislation, open political finance information to public scrutiny and oversight, and encourage debate, further efforts are required to actively enforce laws and regulations and raise the level of debate among the various governmental, legislative, and civil society groups. By addressing these areas, Lithuania has the potential for being an example of best practices while making local expertise and resources to other countries undergoing similar reforms.
December 31, 2002
News & Updates
Feature
Photo Gallery: Elections and Democratic Transitions to Watch in 2013
While elections and democratic transitions are significant to a country’s advancement, some events have the potential to make not only a regional impact, but a global impact as well.
This photo gallery takes a look at the electoral processes and transitions to watch in 2013.
This photo gallery takes a look at the electoral processes and transitions to watch in 2013.
News & Updates
Feature
Celebrating 2013 International Women's Day
Today, Friday, March 8, IFES celebrates 2013 International Women’s Day. For over 25 years, IFES has worked to ensure all individuals, men and women, participate equally in the political process.
The full participation of women in political, social and economic life is beneficial to families, communities and nations. Women’s presence in leadership positions, along with gender-sensitive male counterparts, can play a critical role in increasing participation and developing a diversity of viewpoints in decision making. IFES empowers women throughout the world to play a stronger role in this process.
The full participation of women in political, social and economic life is beneficial to families, communities and nations. Women’s presence in leadership positions, along with gender-sensitive male counterparts, can play a critical role in increasing participation and developing a diversity of viewpoints in decision making. IFES empowers women throughout the world to play a stronger role in this process.
News & Updates
Feature
Empowering Women, Strengthening Society
Women continue to lack equal access, despite making up more than half of the world's population. This video shows women from every region of the globe sharing their thoughts on why it is important to strive for greater gender equality, and showcase the significant contributions women make when given a voice.
News & Updates
Feature
IFES’ 2014 U.S. Election Program
For almost three decades, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) has supported citizens’ rights to participate in free and fair elections around the globe. Since 1992, IFES has hosted a flagship event, the U.S. Election Program, which brings together election officials, parliamentarians and diplomats from around the world to observe and learn about the U.S. electoral system as well as discuss elections and voting from comparative international perspectives.
This year’s program was held from November 2-5, in Washington, D.C., and provided a range of educational and networking opportunities for executives responsible for elections and voting.
See coverage of select panels by C-SPAN.
This year’s program was held from November 2-5, in Washington, D.C., and provided a range of educational and networking opportunities for executives responsible for elections and voting.
See coverage of select panels by C-SPAN.
News & Updates
Feature
Photo Gallery: 2015 Elections
The past year saw a slew of important elections across the globe. The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) was engaged with election commissions, civil society and a variety of other stakeholders in many of these elections in 2015.
News & Updates
Feature
A Vote for Every Voice in 2015: IFES’ Year in Review
For nearly three decades, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) has been at the forefront of promoting democracy, compelled by a vision of a world in which strong democratic institutions empower citizens to have a voice in the way they are governed.
Image
Publication
Report/Paper
Translated Publications on Key Political Finance Issues
An Introduction, a briefing paper written by IFES Senior Political Finance Adviser Magnus Ohman, examines some of the key problems with money in politics – such as abuse of state resources, undue influence of wealthy interests in the political system, and corruption.
January 26, 2017